During the Smart City Expo in Spain, Seattle-based Taqtile unveiled the new HoloMaps program that will render cityscapes, forests and different areas and landscapes using Bing 3D. The new interactive and collaborative 3D map app is being released for HoloLens through the Microsoft Store. Since the enterprise version also works through HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, people using the devices can view and play with the maps at the same time.

A wide range of data can be laid out on 3D map from traffic conditions, location-tagged tweets and weather forecasts for the specific areas displayed on the maps. Users can draw and write notes on the maps which can be saved for future use. Business can provide their own information and Taqtile will work with them for integration on the maps. The concept of the whole platform is to allow customers to bring in whatever information sources they want to overlay on the 3D maps.

Futuristic apps like this can be considered as practical innovation for businesses. The first customer of Taqtile was PGA Tour that allows people to interact with 3D models of different holes that have been overlaid with a large amount of statistics. According to Kelly Malone, Taqtile’s VP for product management, they are in active discussion with several sports teams so that the app can be used to display stadium remodel plans to the public and use it as a promotional tool to attract sponsors.

Malone said that they are also discussing the app with security agencies regarding the potential use in building plans for special events like the Super Bowl. The 3D maps can be used to determine the points of interests at the stadium and figure out things like the best placement for security personnel. The map can also be useful for municipalities because it will show how a neighborhood looks like and where to put new power lines.

Another tool that businesses can benefit from is the Illustrated Map that is a product of creativity and skillful combination of geography, architecture and information. It differs from the traditional maps because it shows a certain view of a location or scene as seen from above.